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After A News Presenter Gets A Visible Face Tattoo, This Woman Educates People On How To Be Respectful

Last year, 35-year-old Oriini Kaipara fulfilled her lifelong dream of getting a moko kauae, a traditional lower chin tattoo worn by Māori women. Following this decision, the woman made history by becoming the first employed TV news presenter with a facial tattoo. Kaipara, who is a mother of 4, lives in Auckland, New Zealand and currently works for TVNZ, made headlines in 2017 when a DNA test revealed that she is 100% Māori.

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Image credits: dopestbabiesmama

While Kaipara’s decision was accepted by her employees, it’s clear that both viewers and people around her had varied reactions. It prompted Taj Anwar Baoll to share a very similar experience her coworker went through in order to educate people on how to be more respectful not only to other people’s appearance, but their spiritual practices, too.

After A News Presenter Gets A Visible Face Tattoo, This Woman Educates People On How To Be Respectful

Image credits: dopestbabiesmama

In her viral post, Baoll discusses what sort of behavior is completely inappropriate and summarizes it by saying: “What it boils down to really… is stop being entitled and nosy. Everything ain’t for you to know OR understand”

After A News Presenter Gets A Visible Face Tattoo, This Woman Educates People On How To Be Respectful

Image credits: dopestbabiesmama

Kaipara hopes that her moko kauae will brake barriers for other people, too. “The feedback has been amazing, it’s been really humbling. I did my best and that’s all I wanted. It’s not just about me, it’s about taking opportunities and opening up opportunities for moko wearers, for Māori – I don’t want this to be a one-hit wonder,” she told the Herald.

After A News Presenter Gets A Visible Face Tattoo, This Woman Educates People On How To Be Respectful

Here’s how people reacted to Baoll’s post

After A News Presenter Gets A Visible Face Tattoo, This Woman Educates People On How To Be Respectful

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Phoenix 4 years ago

While I get the gist of this article, I absolutely don't agree with the statement: "What it boils down to really… is stop being entitled and nosy. Everything ain’t for you to know OR understand." Learning and understanding anything that is outside of our normal frame of reference opens us up to being empathetic and understanding people. Ignorance is NOT bliss and being "different" does not make you special. Again, agree that touching without permission is always a no-no, but there's nothing wrong with asking (thoughtfully), listening, and learning.

132points

Mark Serbian 4 years ago

There's a difference between politely asking about something and being entitled to know that thing. I agree that knowing and learning is A Good Thing, but not at someone else's expense, ya? Asking because you want to learn is wonderful. Asking because you intend to mock someone is not.

48points

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Viki Banaszak 4 years ago

I agree. It is totally natural to ask a question and want to know about why a person chooses to do something. That is how we learn and come to understand other traditions. Yes, the way that person did it was rude but there is a way to ask without being rude.

7points

ChickyChicky 4 years ago

You can always look up information on the interwebs rather than asking the person directly, too. Trying to explain it may be annoying or bothersome to them. If you do gently ask, don't be offended if they don't want to tell you.

4points

RaroaRaroa 4 years ago

While I get what they're saying, I think the person who posted this has misinterpreted Taj's post. Taj is talking about a Samoan co-worker and has attached a photo of a Maori news presenter (someone I see on TV most days). I don't think Taj was defending Oriini in their story, but someone else. Also, if they were the same person (who also had their head shaved), her hair has sure grown fast as she only got her moko about a year ago.

3points

Beachy 4 years ago

Couldn't agree more!

2points

Mariët 4 years ago

Totally agree and the way this "curious touching" is corrected... look in the eyes, slowly waving finger... what a selfindulged messed up ghetto attitude this so called "spiritual" person exposes.... yayks.

0points

Aunt Messy 4 years ago

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Helen Haley 4 years ago

You can't tattoo something in the most obvious place and expect people to not have questions. If it makes her happy, great for her, but that doesn't mean people won't have questions.

73points

Fixin'Ta 4 years ago

The thing is, in New Zealand EVERYONE except visitors and the newly immigrated knows what a moko kauae is (or should). No one should question her desire to have one and to not be harassed for it, even if she is on-air. It's part of Maori culture, and as a result it's part of New Zealand/Aotearoa culture, so I'm surprised and saddened that it's even an issue.

45points

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rabbitsrabbit 4 years ago

Nothing is wrong with questions. Its the rude way that friend was going about it. Touching someone (especially their face!) is such a huge no and the almost 'speculative, yeah this disgust and intrigues me,' like they are looking at a freak show is not communicating a genuine desire to learn and broaden their horizons.

6points

Cat 4 years ago

Or... One could simply Google "lower chin tattoo new zealand". Moko kauae is literally the top search result

1point

celery g 3 years ago

Who cares if people have questions! Most of the time its none of your goddamn business! Like strangers asking my nephew if he has chicken pox after he had laser treatment on his port wine stain. Almost always it was an adult asking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For f*****g reals, ADULTS!!!!!!!!!!!

0points

Vinniegret 4 years ago

But they CAN keep those questions to themselves. And most often, they should.

0points

Aunt Messy 4 years ago

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ChickyChicky 4 years ago

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Pretty Pangolin 4 years ago

Love the picture of her at her news desk. I'mm glad the station weren't jerks about it.

31points

TaylaOatley 4 years ago (edited)

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Phoenix 4 years ago

132points

Mark Serbian 4 years ago

48points

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Viki Banaszak 4 years ago

7points

ChickyChicky 4 years ago

4points

RaroaRaroa 4 years ago

3points

Beachy 4 years ago

Couldn't agree more!

2points

Mariët 4 years ago

0points

Aunt Messy 4 years ago

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Helen Haley 4 years ago

You can't tattoo something in the most obvious place and expect people to not have questions. If it makes her happy, great for her, but that doesn't mean people won't have questions.

73points